![\"City](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/city-centre-cordon-is-described-as-the-fairest-simplest-and-L2ZZB5PHAJHZPNKL7QPBRCGZQU.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAuckland councillors will today confirm three options for charging commuters to drive in and out of the city during peak times.<\/p>\n
One option was to charge commuters entering the city centre during rush hour, while another included city fringe suburbs like Newmarket and Newton, and possibly Ponsonby and Parnell.<\/p>\n
A third option would also include core motorways such as from the Harbour Bridge to Point Chevalier and Mount Wellington.<\/p>\n
Wait\u0101kere ward councillor Shane Henderson said any charges would need to be balanced with investment in transport alternatives.<\/p>\n
“In West Auckland that means the northwestern busway will need to be committed to by the government … because people need proper alternatives.”<\/p>\n
Henderson said it was important to get Aucklanders’ feedback on the three proposals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
City Centre Cordon is described as the “fairest, simplest” and “most feasible scheme”, saving four minutes of travel time. Supplied \/ Auckland Council (Source: rnz.co.nz)<\/p>\n
“We’re putting it out to the people, and saying ‘what do you think about this?’ And we’ll go from there.”<\/p>\n
After the options are confirmed by the transport and infrastructure delivery committee, initial public consultation will start in mid-November before an option is decided on in 2027.<\/p>\n
Council documents described the city centre option as the “fairest, simplest and likely most feasible scheme,” but noted it would raise limited revenue to improve public transport.<\/p>\n
Charges for this option would be around $3-$4 in the morning peak, and $2-$3 in the afternoon.<\/p>\n
The city-fringe option was described as “significantly improved effectiveness compared to the city centre cordon,” but noted that it would include Auckland Hospital. <\/p>\n
![\"Option](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/option-2-city-fringe-cordon-would-charge-drivers-entering-vi-A67S5AIMMFEKHO4DCA6X6JXLRE.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Option 2: City Fringe Cordon would charge drivers entering via Newmarket, Newton, Parnell and Ponsonby during peak hours (Source: Supplied)<\/p>\n
Charges for this option would be in the order of $5-$6 in the morning peak, and $2-$3 in the afternoon.<\/p>\n
The option including the core motorways was described as “providing significant net revenue to fund improved public transport alternatives” such as rapid bus transit routes next to motorways.<\/p>\n
Charges for this option could range from $5 to $7 and would likely only apply in the peak direction.<\/p>\n
![\"Option](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/option-3-core-motorways-and-city-centre-includes-the-harbour-QLKK3I3T7RFZPFAP52TWDCQ3ZE.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Option 3: Core motorways and city centre includes the Harbour Bridge, Pt Chevalier and Mt Wellington (Source: Supplied)<\/p>\n
Council documents estimated the charges could save drivers four minutes per trip for the city centre option – up to 12 minutes per trip if core motorways are included. After an option is confirmed in 2027, it would be ratified and get ministerial approval in 2028.<\/p>\n